The Wine Guys Favorites

One of my favorite Chianti producers is Castello Monterinaldi.  This past October I was thrilled to visit them while traveling with my wife. We explored their vineyards, saw their barrel rooms, and tasted some incredible wines.

The Castello Monterinaldi winery was founded in 1961 in the the village of Radda in Chianti.  But parts of the original castle from the 9th century still stand like a vine covered sentinel overlooking the rolling hills of vines.  Radda is the highest altitude village in Chianti, and its unique micro climate is reflected beautifully in these wines.  Monterinaldi’s sangiovese creates wines that are lithe and energetic, driven by aromatics and bright acidity.  The tannins are milder and not as dense as some of their lower altitude neighbors, making them very drinkable even when young. Their Chianti Classico is a staple wine in the Market and in my home.  Juicy cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry fruits burst from the glass, with soft floral notes of violets, and a hint of sweet spices.  We were lucky to taste a flight of their wines, some of which are only offered at the estate.

The Turtle is Monterinaldi’s mascot, but it also symbolizes their philosophy of wine making.  They believe one does not rush nature, nor does one rush good wine, and it is best to let things develop at their given pace.  For over a thousand years wines have been made on these lands, slow and steady.  Yet they will quickly become a new favorite of yours.